New York overhauls MMA Bill as deadline looms
BC litigation lawyer, combat sports law consultant, and deeply appreciated UGer Erik Magraken reports that New York’s imperiled MMA bill has some changes.
Now British Columbia litigation lawyer, combat sports law consultant, and deeply appreciated UGer Erik Magraken reports that New York’s imperiled MMA bill has some changes.
As the New York State Assembly struggles to gather the needed votes to pass proposed legislation to legalize professional MMA, the Bill has been overhauled with a view to obtain the needed support. The current text of Bill A02604 can be found here.
MMA journalist Jim Genia, who has provided coverage of these legislative developments that are second to none, has provided the following summary of the revamped Bill:
•Amateur MMA is permitted, and will be sanctioned by the Athletic Commission or by third-party organizations approved by the Commission. There will be no more unsanctioned events allowed;
•The Commission will have jurisdiction over all combative sports, including professional wrestling, martial arts and kickboxing. The list of organizations approved for sanctioning of martial arts events is gone, and the Commission will lay out criteria for third-party organizations to get approval to operate within the state;
•These third-party organizations may have the power to sanction pro combative sports, including MMA events;
•The Commission will have jurisdiction (and licensing ability) over gyms that provide sparring in preparation for pro boxing or pro MMA bouts;
•Accident insurance for a minimum of $50,000 is required by all pro combative sports promoters, with a million dollar insurance minimum for competition injuries resulting in major brain injuries; and,
•All combative sporting events, pro or amateur, will pay an 8.5% tax on gate and a 3% tax on broadcasting rights sold (this includes Internet broadcasts)
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This is a fairly good piece of legislation, but the amount the State scoops in taxes is fairly high and it will make it difficult for promoters without deep pockets to operate. That said, the changes appear needed to secure the minimum number of votes.
We should know in a matter of days whether the Bill will pass.